Three highly successful Regional Commanders Receptions were held throughout the state with over 100 NGAMA members attending the informative socials. The socials were held February in Springfield, and two were held in March at West Bridgewater and at Hanscom AFB. The events featured a relaxed atmosphere of a social hour, dinner and a Briefing on future initiatives of NGAMA as well as a presentation from Senior Leadership on the current state of the Massachusetts National Guard.
A major topic of each of the events was NGAUS and NGAMA’s responses to the Federal and State challenges. Maj. Gen. Scott L. Rice, the Adjutant General discussed the proposed Army and Air Guard budget cuts. On the State level, he discussed the legislative re-write of Chapter 33, the State Legislation that governs the Massachusetts National Guard. Chapter 33 has not been revised since the 1950’s. NGAMA President COL John Driscoll discussed how NGAUS and NGAMA are preparing to fight these federal budget cuts. He also discussed the weekend of activities planned for the April State Conference. A video legislative update from NGAUS President Maj. Gen. (Ret) Gus Hargett was also showed.
The Regional Commander Receptions were so successful that we hope to expand them next year.